Award-winning chef Brent Savage and his similarly awarded business partner, sommelier Nick Hildebrandt, run the Sydney restaurant group Bentley Restaurant & Bar, Monopole and Yellow. Bentley recently moved from Surry Hills into the Radisson Blu Hotel in the CBD. See thebentley.com.au.
WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE TABLE IN SYDNEY'S CBD?
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Sepia. I don't get to go very often, but when I do its always fantastic. I really enjoy the refinement of Martin Benn's food, and the impeccable service. His desserts are always outstanding. See sepiarestaurant.com.au.
THE LOCAL FOOD DISCOVERY OF THE PAST YEAR?
On one of my weekly trips to Eveleigh Farmers' Market, I met a local grower from Glenorie who I have been working closely with for the past year. We have collaborated on produce to be grown specifically for the restaurant, and a great example is the Mexican cucumbers which we now feature on the menu. I love them fresh or pickled. See eveleighmarket.com.au.
WHAT IS SYDNEY CBD'S BEST-KEPT FOOD SECRET?
For me personally, the best food secrets are always found in the small Asian grocers in Chinatown. I often find new ingredients that aren't available in other supermarkets. Not only do they have great dry goods, but often you will find the freshest greens and interesting vegetables.
PLACE TO GO ON A DAY OFF?
Burger Project recently opened by Neil Perry in World Square. I love taking my daughters there – the girls love the rhubarb crumble ice-cream and the salted caramel milkshake, and I always have the cheese burger. It's delicious. See burgerproject.com.au.
FAVOURITE INDULGENCE IN SYDNEY CBD?
Lorraine's Patisserie in the Ivy Complex on George Street. Her date tart isn't always on the menu, so I take advantage of it when it's on offer, but Lorraine's mascarpone cake is the next best thing. See merivale.com.au/lorraines-patisserie.
WHAT SHOULD A VISITOR AVOID, FOOD-WISE, IN SYDNEY'S CBD?
Visitors to our city often gravitate towards Circular Quay and Darling Harbour to be close to the water. To get the full Sydney experience, they should make their way through the city streets, discovering the hidden gems throughout the CBD.
Brent Savage and Nick Hildebrandt will be collaborating in an epicurean weekend at One&Only Hayman Island Resort, June 19-21. Phone (07) 4940 1838. See oneanonlyresorts.com.